breathtaking

adjective

breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
Synonyms of breathtakingnext
1
: causing one to breathe rapidly or with difficulty : making one out of breath
a breathtaking pain in her side
2
a
: exciting, thrilling
a breathtaking race
b
: very great : astonishing
his breathtaking ignorance
breathtakingly
ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of breathtaking

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Examples of breathtaking in a Sentence

The train raced past with breathtaking speed. They gave a breathtaking performance. The view of the mountains was breathtaking. a scene of breathtaking beauty The scope of the error is breathtaking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Almost every day there is a new announcement about some resoundingly breathtaking AI innovation. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Scenic road trips wind through mountain passes, lakes and historic villages, combining breathtaking mountain scenery with rich cultural traditions, according to Pakistan’s Ministry of Tourism and the Gilgit-Baltistan tourism board. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The breathtaking retreat showcases luxury amenities, rustic-chic design, farm-to-table cuisine and immersive nature experiences for an unforgettable stay in the woods. — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 31 July 2026 Photographed against a breathtaking Roman backdrop, Lady Kitty Spencer’s ceremony look was the standout of her bridal wardrobe. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for breathtaking

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breathtaking was in 1840

Rhymes for breathtaking

See All Rhymes for breathtaking

Browse Nearby Words

breathtaker
breathtaking
breath test
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Cite this Entry

“Breathtaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breathtaking. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

breathtaking

adjective
breath·​tak·​ing ˈbreth-ˌtā-kiŋ How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
1
: making one out of breath
breathtaking speed
2
: exciting, thrilling
breathtaking beauty
breathtakingly
-kiŋ-lē How to pronounce breathtaking (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on breathtaking

Nglish: Translation of breathtaking for Spanish Speakers

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